Predictors of healthcare-seeking behavior among Chinese patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Table 3 Factors with significant difference between frequent and infrequent consulters in patients with irritable bowel syndrome n (%)

	Frequent consulters	Infrequent consulters	OR (95%CI)
During the whole disease course	n = 136	n = 149
Female	76 (55.9)	65 (43.6)	0.55 (0.35-0.86)
Severe symptoms	39 (28.7)	24 (16.1)	1.93 (1.08-3.45)
Weight loss	45 (33.1)	26 (17.4)	2.34 (1.35-4.07)
Co-existed with FD	94 (69.1)	79 (53)	1.98 (1.22-3.22)
In the past year	n = 201	n = 208
Severe symptoms	62 (30.8)	24 (11.5)	3.42 (2.03-5.75)
Ordinary abdominal pain/discomfort	123 (61.2)	97 (46.6)	1.8 (1.22-2.67)
Persistent symptoms	80 (39.8)	48 (23.1)	2.20 (1.44-3.38)
Weight loss	71 (35.3)	48 (23.1)	1.82 (1.18-2.81)
Co-existed with FD	131 (65.2)	114 (54.8)	1.54 (1.04-2.30)

Data were presented as n (%). χ² test. FD: Functional dyspepsia; OR: Odds ratio; CI: Confidence interval.